Due May 2009 - Childbirth is getting closer and it's giving us the (blue) willies!!

[SpangleMaker]

In honour of llareggub's DS's painting experiments........

Evening all

Looby still no pay! Definitely time to put things in writing. Re pillows, I've got the dream genie one which I really like... can't believe I had to read the instructions first - for a pillow!! What I didn't realise at first is that you just keep it in one position but can use it sleeping on either side. That probably doesn't make much sense without seeing the pillow (and the instructions!) though.

I bought it because we don't have any spare normal pillows. I've used normal ones in hotels & been very comfy but they do seem to take up the whole bed!

Dandy & others, sorry to hear you've been feeling down. I've been lucky enough to feel pretty upbeat most of the time but I find when tiredness gets the better of me I can feel totally useless & wonder how I will ever cope with a baby - how pathetic is that when most of you have at least one DC to look after! Have also been uncharacteristically tearful at times - eg the other day I happened to hear a few seconds of Mozart's Requiem, which was played at my Grandad's funeral (over 15 years ago), and collapsed into floods of tears, I was sobbing so much I couldn't get the words out to try to tell DH what was up

detsy glad Lottie is better. Fab bump pics! We should definitely get together & compare size & shape. I'm free this Sat/Sun, busy the w/e after but free after that. Where do you suggest? Macc's easy for me as you know. I don't know Sandbach but DH does and could give me instructions

Gert2a - you're added. I'll update the 'weeks' at the end of this week! - I do it according to my weekly change!

MrsG - I've put you back but please fill inthe '????'.

DUE 1ST MAY: 29
Yawningmonster (36 will be 37 when dc arrives DS age 4)
Sahbear (DS age 14 mo)
farrahgillani (1st Child)
Brightsideoflife
Reggiee (ahem 30 April but want to stay - DD age 22 months)
Aquababe, (DD age 2.9) BOY!!
Evergrounded
Momino,(DD age 2.5 and DD age 1) SURPRISE!!
Loulabela
AAL, (DS age 4)
Olderbutnotwiser , (DD age 21, DS age 19, DS age 16 DS age 4, DD age 2)
MissyK , (DS age 4) elective cs - BOY!!
bantam73 , (dd , age 3 + dd 16.11) from Leeds
JosieC , (27, 1st child, North London) BOY!!
Tummum, (DD age 4 and DD age 2), BOY!!
DUE 2ND MAY: 28+6
Heverhoney ,
SpangleMaker , (first child) BOY!!
DUE 3RD MAY: 28+5
LoobyLou36 ,(first child)
EmmalinaC , (DD age 2.4) GIRL!!
Gert2a, (first child)
DUE 4TH MAY: 28+4
Inni , DS age 2.9 and DD age 1)
Ceeceeanne ,(DD age 9)
DUE 5TH MAY: 28+3
Chicadee , (DD age 6.5)
Overtiredmum , (DS age 3)
Hopefullypregnant , (DD age 10.5m)
DUE 6TH MAY: 28+2
Gibsongirl , (DS1 age 5 and DS2 nearly 2)
BrownieBells ,(DS age 2.9)
lauralou1 , (first)
Jael ,(DD age nearly 3yrs at mo)
belgianchocolates, (ds age 7, dd age 5), SURPRISE!!
DUE 7TH MAY: 28+1
leakyR,(DS 21 months) SURPRISE!
DUE 8TH MAY: 28
Detsy ,(UK, Cheshire - DD 14 months) SURPRISE!
Flippineck ,(DD will be 2yr1m then) SURPRISE!!
Febes , (DD age 12 months). SURPRISE!!
DUE 9TH MAY: 27+6
Carol7 , DS age 16 DD age 12)
Jennster , (DD age 2y7m, DS age 13m) GIRL!!
sebandelliotsmum ,ds1 5 and ds2 20 months
DUE 10TH MAY: 27+5
Missblythe , (DD age?)
Superdenki ,(DS age 2.5)
DUE 11TH MAY: 27+4
Pinkcandyfloss ,(DS1 age 5 and DS2 age 1.7)
Mootie ,(DD age 2.4)
DUE 12TH MAY: 27+3
llareggub ,(DS age 2) BOY!!
Ses ,(first child)
Minimenace , (DS age 13 months)
DUE 13TH MAY: 27+2
Millionsaway , (DD 20 months)
Mammajamma , (DS1 age 4, DS2 age 22m)
lilyjay09 ,DC 3)
Daisydoo ,(DS age 2) SURPRISE!
DUE 14TH MAY: 27+1
Divedaisy ,(DS age 6; 3rd preg) SURPRISE!!!
Wobblypig , (DS 1.11)
Looneywoman ,
Lazzer SURPRISE!!
Zuka , (first child)
1stMrsF , with non-identical twins (first pregnancy, Surrey) TWO GIRLS!!
chocolatefrog ,(DD 19mnths)
DUE 15TH MAY: 27
FiKelly 38yrs, (DS age just over 2yrs) GIRL!!
Nauseous,first baby, SURPRISE!).
DUE 16TH MAY: 26+6
Bekkaboo , (DS aged 2) GIRL!!
Frazzledoldbag ,(DD1 age 7, DD2 age 2) BOY!!
Bluebell82 ,(dd age 7 months)
umamimama , (dd age 16 months)
DUE 17TH MAY: 26+5
Bigtree ,(first child)
HtheH ,(first child) BOY - they think!
DUE 18TH MAY: 26+4
cece,(dd age 7 and DS aged 5) SURPRISE
DUE 19TH MAY: 26+3
Tigergem ,(DD 18m)
GreenFingeredMummy ,(DD age 15m)
DUE 20TH MAY: 26+2
Grumpyoldcaaaaaaaa ,(DD age 10, DD age 4) SURPRISE!!
DUE 21ST MAY: 26+1
Mags98 ,(first child)
DUE 22ND MAY: 26
2beautifulgals ,(2 dds?!)
Moonlit , (DD age 2.8) SURPRISE!!
DUE 23RD MAY: 25+6
halfmumhalfbiscuit , (DS age 2)
Agooboo ,(DS1 age 6 DS2 age 2)
Runningmonkey ,(first child), probably BOY!!
DUE 24TH MAY: 25+5
Swottybetty: ,DD , 6mths
DUE 25TH MAY: 25+4
DandyLioness , (DD nearly4) BOY!
Alapala , (DS 1.5)
rubysmom, (DD1 will be 16 months ) GIRL!!
pulapula ,(DD 4, DS 1.6, Sheffield, elective cs) BOY!!
DUE 26TH MAY: 25+3
rosielady,(DS age 3)
DUE 27TH MAY: 25+2
citybranch ,(DS age 23m)
Sausagenmash, (first baby)
Imnotok
DUE 29TH MAY:25
SweetBROODY, (First Child) MAYBE A GIRL, MAYBE A BOY!!
MsG, (First child) SURPRISE!!
DUE 30TH MAY: 24+6
MrsExton,
DUE 31ST MAY: 24+5
MatthewAndBumpsMummy , (DS age 3yrs 6mths), BOY!!
Rek, (DD 13 months)
milliemoocow (DC?, DC?)
CoteDAzur 37,(DD 3) BOY!!
MrsG ??????

I love looking at everyones pictures. I'm such a mumsnetter now that I even made a profile and put up a picture.

tummum glad you're going to talk to your midwife and that you have one you really like. If you need to say it how it is theres always here, nobody here is going to judge you. I imagine the SPD isn't helping things much.

Support! Makes a difference. I went to GP a month ago with a whole load of my anxieties which are all totally legit (at that stage I had only seen mw once at 7 weeks and needed to know what the implications of my handicap and medical history might be for my labour options which has since led to some very helpful specialist appts that made me feel like I wasn't mad for needing to sort this all out sooner than later) and she told me I was being middle class and that she didn't have the time or the expertise to deal with my questions and that she didn't think the midwife would either (mw was opposite and appeared even more concerned than I was when I eventually got to see her). GP ends appt saying, "I think you should come back and see me soon, you clearly need the support" after she's delivered me this whole why-are-you-wasting-my-time thing (and I've so embarrassingly ended up in tears) WHAT SUPPORT? If I'm middle class what the hell is a gp who can't answer a pregnant woman's questions?

llareggub I had to drive my (sweet tempered and bizarrely vet friendly) cat to see a cardiologist somewhere in the middle of Hertfordshire today, it was a bit of a drive, and then of course I had to talk to the vet and then wait in waiting room talk to the vet some more (all that communicating...) then drive back. Passed out when I came home...so i think looking after cat takes it out of me, how you remain sane and patient with a small boy who has given up sleeping baffles me. Is he sleeping in the day to make up for it?

What a great list!!
Just updating it as my EDD was brought forward 2 days!

DUE 1ST MAY: 29
Yawningmonster (36 will be 37 when dc arrives DS age 4)
Sahbear (DS age 14 mo)
farrahgillani (1st Child)
Brightsideoflife
Reggiee (ahem 30 April but want to stay - DD age 22 months)
Aquababe, (DD age 2.9) BOY!!
Evergrounded
Momino,(DD age 2.5 and DD age 1) SURPRISE!!
Loulabela
AAL, (DS age 4)
Olderbutnotwiser , (DD age 21, DS age 19, DS age 16 DS age 4, DD age 2)
MissyK , (DS age 4) elective cs - BOY!!
bantam73 , (dd , age 3 + dd 16.11) from Leeds
JosieC , (27, 1st child, North London) BOY!!
Tummum, (DD age 4 and DD age 2), BOY!!
DUE 2ND MAY: 28+6
Heverhoney ,
SpangleMaker , (first child) BOY!!
DUE 3RD MAY: 28+5
LoobyLou36 ,(first child)
EmmalinaC , (DD age 2.4) GIRL!!
Gert2a, (first child)
DUE 4TH MAY: 28+4
Inni , DS age 2.9 and DD age 1)
Ceeceeanne ,(DD age 9)
DUE 5TH MAY: 28+3
Chicadee , (DD age 6.5)
Overtiredmum , (DS age 3)
Hopefullypregnant , (DD age 10.5m)
DUE 6TH MAY: 28+2
Gibsongirl , (DS1 age 5 and DS2 nearly 2)
BrownieBells ,(DS age 2.9)
lauralou1 , (first)
Jael ,(DD age nearly 3yrs at mo)
belgianchocolates, (ds age 7, dd age 5), SURPRISE!!
DUE 7TH MAY: 28+1
leakyR,(DS 21 months) SURPRISE!
DUE 8TH MAY: 28
Detsy ,(UK, Cheshire - DD 14 months) SURPRISE!
Flippineck ,(DD will be 2yr1m then) SURPRISE!!
Febes , (DD age 12 months). SURPRISE!!
DUE 9TH MAY: 27+6
Carol7 , DS age 16 DD age 12)
Jennster , (DD age 2y7m, DS age 13m) GIRL!!
sebandelliotsmum ,ds1 5 and ds2 20 months
DUE 10TH MAY: 27+5
Missblythe , (DD age?)
Superdenki ,(DS age 2.5)
Ses, (1st DC) SURPRISE!!
DUE 11TH MAY: 27+4
Pinkcandyfloss ,(DS1 age 5 and DS2 age 1.7)
Mootie ,(DD age 2.4)
DUE 12TH MAY: 27+3
llareggub ,(DS age 2) BOY!!
Minimenace , (DS age 13 months)
DUE 13TH MAY: 27+2
Millionsaway , (DD 20 months)
Mammajamma , (DS1 age 4, DS2 age 22m)
lilyjay09 ,DC 3)
Daisydoo ,(DS age 2) SURPRISE!
DUE 14TH MAY: 27+1
Divedaisy ,(DS age 6; 3rd preg) SURPRISE!!!
Wobblypig , (DS 1.11)
Looneywoman ,
Lazzer SURPRISE!!
Zuka , (first child)
1stMrsF , with non-identical twins (first pregnancy, Surrey) TWO GIRLS!!
chocolatefrog ,(DD 19mnths)
DUE 15TH MAY: 27
FiKelly 38yrs, (DS age just over 2yrs) GIRL!!
Nauseous,first baby, SURPRISE!).
DUE 16TH MAY: 26+6
Bekkaboo , (DS aged 2) GIRL!!
Frazzledoldbag ,(DD1 age 7, DD2 age 2) BOY!!
Bluebell82 ,(dd age 7 months)
umamimama , (dd age 16 months)
DUE 17TH MAY: 26+5
Bigtree ,(first child)
HtheH ,(first child) BOY - they think!
DUE 18TH MAY: 26+4
cece,(dd age 7 and DS aged 5) SURPRISE
DUE 19TH MAY: 26+3
Tigergem ,(DD 18m)
GreenFingeredMummy ,(DD age 15m)
DUE 20TH MAY: 26+2
Grumpyoldcaaaaaaaa ,(DD age 10, DD age 4) SURPRISE!!
DUE 21ST MAY: 26+1
Mags98 ,(first child)
DUE 22ND MAY: 26
2beautifulgals ,(2 dds?!)
Moonlit , (DD age 2.8) SURPRISE!!
DUE 23RD MAY: 25+6
halfmumhalfbiscuit , (DS age 2)
Agooboo ,(DS1 age 6 DS2 age 2)
Runningmonkey ,(first child), probably BOY!!
DUE 24TH MAY: 25+5
Swottybetty: ,DD , 6mths
DUE 25TH MAY: 25+4
DandyLioness , (DD nearly4) BOY!
Alapala , (DS 1.5)
rubysmom, (DD1 will be 16 months ) GIRL!!
pulapula ,(DD 4, DS 1.6, Sheffield, elective cs) BOY!!
DUE 26TH MAY: 25+3
rosielady,(DS age 3)
DUE 27TH MAY: 25+2
citybranch ,(DS age 23m)
Sausagenmash, (first baby)
Imnotok
DUE 29TH MAY:25
SweetBROODY, (First Child) MAYBE A GIRL, MAYBE A BOY!!
MsG, (First child) SURPRISE!!
DUE 30TH MAY: 24+6
MrsExton,
DUE 31ST MAY: 24+5
MatthewAndBumpsMummy , (DS age 3yrs 6mths), BOY!!
Rek, (DD 13 months)
milliemoocow (DC?, DC?)
CoteDAzur 37,(DD 3) BOY!!
MrsG ??????

Oh the bold bits didn't copy.... blast! Well it'll just have to do!

Gert2a - glad your friend got her wedding dress sorted!! Hope she has a great day! When is it?

Seamus (not my fav name to be honest - yes ginger whiskers...) Heaney is a famous Irish poet - I haven't read any of his novels either.... bit too 'literaturey' for me!!

Detsy - I still wear my belly bands - 3 for £10 from New Look. Wear then down over your hips and the don't tend to roll up - great to keep your bump warm! I'm seldom without mine! (except when wearing my over the bump jeans, from Next which I find are OK for staying put.
Raspberry leaf tea - when do we start??
What is caulophylum used for???

pulapula - FIL surgery - hope it goes well.

matthewandbumpsmummy - I KNOW what you mean about the name of your first son just coming to you the moment you knew you were having a boy! I too cannot think of 'the' name if this one turns out to be blue!

polony - yes copy and paste the list and then just add yourself under whichever date you're due. If you know what you're having add that too!

Re braxton Hicks - I really don't know if I am having them. What I feel when I walk too fast (well shuffle) or do too much bending over or anything strenuous (eg fluffing up duvet) is a stitch type pain. It hurts!!!

I also am feeling really frumpy! Though my efforts for Sat night were noticed by DH - he said I was looking really lovely! Didn't feel it though... Getting a family photo done in DS school on Wed!!! ARGH!!! What do I wear?????? I'm getting my hair done tomorrow to try and disguise my regrowth. I know I was gonna try 'au natural' but feeling this frumpy I need some colour in my life!!!

Tummum - Hi there! Glad you found us also. As I was saying to Euromum on another thread there is research evidence to prove that TALKING and then doing MORE TALKING to other's with experience of AND or PND is the best way to help aleviate these conditions. Do also talk with your doctor & MW and let them all know how you are feeling. It doesn't necessarily have to go on your notes at work, and you shouldn't feel victimised, stigmatised or isolated because you have any form of depression. Your work colleagues don't have to know - it's up to you what you tell them. Your Line Manager should also keep it confidential - tell them to and if it 'gets out' you know where it came from. It is an illness that is curable! You will get loads of support here because there are a lot of us that have gone through similar. So, go on - TALK! We're all listening... You've taken the biggest first step and that is acknowledging how you are feeling and trying to put those thoughts into words... Sending you a BIG BIG HUG!!

Caulophylum is the same effect as the rasp leaf tho you can take both together. Apparently start the caulo from wk 36 and i call homeopath if i go over date for a super boost dose to get things moving. Unsure when you start the asp leaf - will need to google

Spangle - have to go to bed now but will post tomo with suggested date - think this weekend will be ok for me too but just need to double check

I always leavea long post... sorry ! I really shoudl try to get on here more often to leave 'bite size bits' rather than bore you all with half a page of catching up! I seam to miss all the rolling conversations at the 'peak times'!!

Also (and there might be tmi here...) - am I bad to think of rehousing our 2 dogs??? The oldest is about 10 and the other about 8. They never get walkies - though we have a massive back garden where they get plenty of exercise. They really don't get the attention they deserve. DH never sees the shit to lift it, although manages not to step in it. My back garden is one big dog toilet, and I spent 30 minutes today lifting some of it - and there's loads still to lift. When my ds goes outside to play - I have to tell him to mind the poos - that's not a back garden safe for a child to play in . But DH doesn't help me to do this nasty job. When this one comes along I'll have less time to deal with them. Also, we're considering cancelling the pet insurance cos the premiums are getting rediculous. But I reckon if the bills were high ( eg couple of hundred pounds) DH would go mad - he even thinks the annual vacinations are costly! He doesn't think anyone would take them and because of the oldest ones age, would be hard to rehome... but even though I don't want them to go, I believe they may have a better life somewhere else. My friend ownes a Kennels and she may be able to look out for someone suitable to take both... I feel so torn between my DH's views and the concerns for the pooches. What would you do???

good morning all. not able to sleep though i'm so tired [yawns]. don't think I've slept enough to have patience for 2 toddlers today. uh oh, gonna be a greeat day.

polony, at your GP's 'support'.

divedaisy, we have a young b collie who's a lot of work. he is part of the family and i think is great for the girls but many days I wish we'd 'give' him to a farm.

Problem is, I'd feel so guilty about giving him a way and then I feel guilty when we don't have time (or I don't have energy) to give him a 2nd walk. 'guilty' is my middle name.

dog (george) seems happy and does get a good life so I know we're doing an 'acceptable' job. But, i agree with you on the work, the dog toilet that is our back yard (luckily he mostly goes in a certain area but I have to make sure the girls don't dig in that area), etc. I think you are perfectly reasonable to think about re housing. do ask your Kennel friend for ideas/advice that might help your decision.

I feel so much better! DS slept all the way through from 8pm until 6.30am with no night-time wanderings, breastfeeding, requests to play or ramblings about frogs chasing foxes. We had a full nights sleep!!!!

I have told him several times this morning that he is a very good boy and that we will do something very special later to bribe celebrate in the hope of a further night.

Morning everyone,

Momino good luck today, I find my one toddler tiring enough and I'm out at work most of the week while she goes to creche!

Tummum what you described about crying at work is exactly what I have been having on and off since Nov/Dec. It was much much worse then and I saw my doctor who said it was AND, and although there wasn't a lot to be done about it, it really helped to know that it is an actual problem and not just me being pathetic and unable to cope. The doctor gave me some herbal tablets to help me sleep (I don't remember the name and am in Belgium so I suppose it would be different in the UK anyway), and also suggested trying to get some exercise which I haven't really managed! But feeling more rested because of sleeping better has helped a bit, and now when I am really having a bad day and everything feels horrible and out of control, I do find it helpful to say to myself that it is just something that happens and it will pass. I do hope you can talk to someone as I'm sure it will help. I found it so difficult to admit that sometimes I don't want to be pregnant at all, I felt so horrible, as if I was saying I don't want the baby, but it's ok to be scared and worried about not coping. And I am just trying to focus on now rather than worrying about what's coming up. Do you go out to work - if so when do you stop? I am due only at the end of May and will probably work until at least the end of April, but I am so looking forward to those couple of weeks at home beforehand (assuling he doesn't arrive early!). Just being so busy, whether it's work or being at home with dc or whatever is so exhausting, it can't help! So I hope you get some rest and help soon.

Well I had better get on with some work - before i do will update the list with my dates though.

Hope everyone has a nice Tuesday!

Here we go:

DUE 1ST MAY: 29
Yawningmonster (36 will be 37 when dc arrives DS age 4)
Sahbear (DS age 14 mo)
farrahgillani (1st Child)
Brightsideoflife
Reggiee (ahem 30 April but want to stay - DD age 22 months)
Aquababe, (DD age 2.9) BOY!!
Evergrounded
Momino,(DD age 2.5 and DD age 1) SURPRISE!!
Loulabela
AAL, (DS age 4)
Olderbutnotwiser , (DD age 21, DS age 19, DS age 16 DS age 4, DD age 2)
MissyK , (DS age 4) elective cs - BOY!!
bantam73 , (dd , age 3 + dd 16.11) from Leeds
JosieC , (27, 1st child, North London) BOY!!
Tummum, (DD age 4 and DD age 2), BOY!!
DUE 2ND MAY: 28+6
Heverhoney ,
SpangleMaker , (first child) BOY!!
DUE 3RD MAY: 28+5
LoobyLou36 ,(first child)
EmmalinaC , (DD age 2.4) GIRL!!
Gert2a, (first child)
DUE 4TH MAY: 28+4
Inni , DS age 2.9 and DD age 1)
Ceeceeanne ,(DD age 9)
DUE 5TH MAY: 28+3
Chicadee , (DD age 6.5)
Overtiredmum , (DS age 3)
Hopefullypregnant , (DD age 10.5m)
DUE 6TH MAY: 28+2
Gibsongirl , (DS1 age 5 and DS2 nearly 2)
BrownieBells ,(DS age 2.9)
lauralou1 , (first)
Jael ,(DD age nearly 3yrs at mo)
belgianchocolates, (ds age 7, dd age 5), SURPRISE!!
DUE 7TH MAY: 28+1
leakyR,(DS 21 months) SURPRISE!
DUE 8TH MAY: 28
Detsy ,(UK, Cheshire - DD 14 months) SURPRISE!
Flippineck ,(DD will be 2yr1m then) SURPRISE!!
Febes , (DD age 12 months). SURPRISE!!
DUE 9TH MAY: 27+6
Carol7 , DS age 16 DD age 12)
Jennster , (DD age 2y7m, DS age 13m) GIRL!!
sebandelliotsmum ,ds1 5 and ds2 20 months
DUE 10TH MAY: 27+5
Missblythe , (DD age?)
Superdenki ,(DS age 2.5)
Ses, (1st DC) SURPRISE!!
DUE 11TH MAY: 27+4
Pinkcandyfloss ,(DS1 age 5 and DS2 age 1.7)
Mootie ,(DD age 2.4)
DUE 12TH MAY: 27+3
llareggub ,(DS age 2) BOY!!
Minimenace , (DS age 13 months)
DUE 13TH MAY: 27+2
Millionsaway , (DD 20 months)
Mammajamma , (DS1 age 4, DS2 age 22m)
lilyjay09 ,DC 3)
Daisydoo ,(DS age 2) SURPRISE!
DUE 14TH MAY: 27+1
Divedaisy ,(DS age 6; 3rd preg) SURPRISE!!!
Wobblypig , (DS 1.11)
Looneywoman ,
Lazzer SURPRISE!!
Zuka , (first child)
1stMrsF , with non-identical twins (first pregnancy, Surrey) TWO GIRLS!!
chocolatefrog ,(DD 19mnths)
DUE 15TH MAY: 27
FiKelly 38yrs, (DS age just over 2yrs) GIRL!!
Nauseous,first baby, SURPRISE!).
DUE 16TH MAY: 26+6
Bekkaboo , (DS aged 2) GIRL!!
Frazzledoldbag ,(DD1 age 7, DD2 age 2) BOY!!
Bluebell82 ,(dd age 7 months)
umamimama , (dd age 16 months)
DUE 17TH MAY: 26+5
Bigtree ,(first child)
HtheH ,(first child) BOY - they think!
DUE 18TH MAY: 26+4
cece,(dd age 7 and DS aged 5) SURPRISE
DUE 19TH MAY: 26+3
Tigergem ,(DD 18m)
GreenFingeredMummy ,(DD age 15m)
DUE 20TH MAY: 26+2
Grumpyoldcaaaaaaaa ,(DD age 10, DD age 4) SURPRISE!!
DUE 21ST MAY: 26+1
Mags98 ,(first child)
DUE 22ND MAY: 26
2beautifulgals ,(2 dds?!)
Moonlit , (DD age 2.8) SURPRISE!!
DUE 23RD MAY: 25+6
halfmumhalfbiscuit , (DS age 2)
Agooboo ,(DS1 age 6 DS2 age 2)
Runningmonkey ,(first child), probably BOY!!
DUE 24TH MAY: 25+5
Swottybetty: ,DD , 6mths
DUE 25TH MAY: 25+4
DandyLioness , (DD nearly4) BOY!
Alapala , (DS 1.5)
rubysmom, (DD1 will be 16 months ) GIRL!!
pulapula ,(DD 4, DS 1.6, Sheffield, elective cs) BOY!!
DUE 26TH MAY: 25+3
rosielady,(DS age 3)
DUE 27TH MAY: 25+2
citybranch ,(DS age 23m)
Sausagenmash, (first baby)
Imnotok
DUE 29TH MAY:25
SweetBROODY, (First Child) MAYBE A GIRL, MAYBE A BOY!!
MsG, (First child) SURPRISE!!
DUE 30TH MAY: 24+6
MrsExton,
euromum, (DD age 18m), BOY!
DUE 31ST MAY: 24+5
MatthewAndBumpsMummy , (DS age 3yrs 6mths), BOY!!
Rek, (DD 13 months)
milliemoocow (DC?, DC?)
CoteDAzur 37,(DD 3) BOY!!
MrsG ??????

Good afternoon (almost) everyone.

Am working from home today, just waiting for my husband and his brother to come home for their lunch so we can eat warm pork pies that I've just picked up from the butchers (although if they don't come home for lunch, then it'll be 3 warm pork pies for me and bump!! - wonder if I'll be able to resist?)

My best friend (with the wedding dress saga) gets married on 2nd May - the day before my due date. I am of course a bridesmaid! We think we have all possibilities covered - i.e. I've got an outfit that will fit over a 9 month bump and will also look fine if I have a 'just given birth' bump! I have shoes without heels that match the other bridesmaid's shoes with heels! And to be honest I'll either be there or I won't be. We've checked out the nearest maternity unit (just in case) - my own maternity unit is a one hour drive away from where the wedding is, so we should make it should we need to!

Is there anything else I need to think about/plan?

Does anyone have any similar tales from previous births?

Am I mad even considering being at the wedding?

Gert, everyone is different.

My DS was born at 37 weeks and I had an emergency c-section. I was in hospital for a week, developed a post op infection, was completely sleep deprived and leaking from every possible place imaginable. If you'd told me I'd be a bridesmaid at any point in the 6 weeks following the birth I'd have locked myself in a dark room, alone.

On the other hand, my friend had a baby at round about the same time and she went away the following weekend to see Robbie Williams in concert, leaving baby at home with her mother.

You just don't know how you'll be. If you're breastfeeding then I'd imagine being a bridesmaid so soon after would be a nightmare, logistically.

However, if you haven't given birth then you'll be fine. Just don't run off with the best man.

Gert- as this is your first baby, chances are it will be late, so likelihood is you will be pregnant still.

I went to my BIL/SIL wedding which was 9 days before my due date (or 4 days before on my calcs). The main thing is that you won't be able to do a lot of standing around so see if they can arrange some seating in between all the photos etc.

I don't think you're mad to consider being at the wedding, but i think you need to be realistic if baby comes early. For example, chances are you could still be one or more of the following: in hospital, bleeding heavily, have the baby blues, constantly breastfeeding, knackered, puffy, sore, etc etc. If this happens, I think you/your friend will just have to wait until the day to see whether you are up to going, and especially whether you are up to being a bridesmaid.

But if baby's still inside, i'm sure it will all be fine (I'm sure it only happens in films where people's waters break in these kind of situations!). And don't worry about distance from hospital- first babies are notoriously slow, and hospitals generally won't admit you unless you are in established labour.

Thanks llareggub and pulapula, I think the moral of the story is to just wait until the day! I can't do any more or any less! We'll see what's happening on the day and make a decision then. I suppose I'm thinking about the implications more now as it's getting closer, but also because I've allowed myself to start imagining self at wedding (which up to now I haven't allowed myself to do!), we even called at the venue the other day, so I can start to picture what it'll all look like.

Maybe I'll just have to be content with phonelink to the church!

I did of course agree with my friend that when she announced her wedding date 12 months ago, that we would aim not to be giving birth around the wedding... but of course when you're desperate to be pregnant, nothing makes you stop trying!

Oh and by the way, just dh came home without his brother, so it was one and a half pork pies, and no worries about eating 3 pies in secret this afternoon!

Re: Raspberry Leaf tablets.

After having read quite alot on the subject I went and bought some tablets today from H&B in preparation. The woman in there was most concerned that I did not start taking them until 36weeks.

Anyone have any experience of taking them? Do they really help?

Hi Ladies
Sorry I've not been on for a week, Im finding it hard to adjust my to PGP and becoming a SAHM.
I had my first session of physio for my PGP this morning and am in pain now! I've been man handled, quite literally, by a man! but he was very understanding and make me giggle so that helped me feel less awkward! I've been given a Wiltshire Maternity Belt to wear and got a birthing ball that I have to sit on for a hour a day to help strengthen the muscles, will have a follow up in a few weeks. Has any one else been given one of these attractive belts??
Is anyone else feeling like they wish they hadn't bothered getting pregnant the 2nd time round? This pregnancy has been so much harder than my first and I just want it to be done already, 13 weeks to go!
Lunch time for me, doritoes yum!

Re: pillows

Thanks for the advice last night. I did in the end sleep with a spare pillow tucked under my bump. I only woke up twice so it did help, unfortunately woke up at 5am with severe cramp in my calf - Bugger! If it's not one thing its another.

Spare pillow did take up quite alot of space tho. After looking up the prices of dream genies (and not having any spare cash at the mo ) I have decided to get my sewing machine out and try and make myself one out of spare pillows.

New freezer arrives tonight (well second hand one anyway) So now I can start planning what to bulk cook and freeze to save money/time when knackered after LO arrives.

Am I being unreasonable? My DH ex wife wants us to have his daughter for a week at half term in May. I love having her here but am just worried about coping on my own with a bored 10 year old and a 3 week old (that's if LO arrives on time). This is my first baby and it feel this will be a huge challenge for me as it is . What do you think?

RE Gerts wedding my friend just got married on sat and his sister had a CS on monday before and was at the wedding all day and baby was handed around and slept she feed him when needed and all was fine. I'm sure she was knackered though.
I felt fine after I had DD and if it was my best friend I would have been able to attend. I felt a lot better once the baby was out than in the last week of being PG.

RE Raspberry leaf tea I took it last time but I don't think it did anything. Don't start taking until 36 weeks. My mum who is a still practising midwife said they RLT can sometimes cause lots of bleeding after birth as it encourages blood flow in the uterus but I also didn't get that. I took caulophylum as well I was a week overdue and was in first stage of labour for 3 days so I don't think it really helped anything. I had a good birth though.

hello all. dd2 napping, dd1 watching cbeebies, dog dozing, house a mess, me happy on MN (but soon to get a little work done).

Gert, somehow things will work out with the wedding. you're right in that you should just wait till the day as you don't know how things are going to happen. no use planning or worrying about it now.

chocolatebunnies, for selfish reasons I wish we hadn't got preg 3rd time. my stupid job which is commission based has reduced in salary to equal a 14 hour/week job so means I'm PAYING to work . i feel like my employer mislead me about the job's prospects and it will now affect how much my mat pay will be (am waiting from Finance to confirm my mat pay). so i feel like i made the wrong decision to change jobs and how are we going to afford no 3? i should be excited about baby's arrival but instead feel sick about finances. surely this is normal?

looby, exciting about the new freezer! bulk freezing saves so much time, especially with a baby. for my 2 now toddlers, I make a big batch and freeze in portions - so quick.

well, reluctantly going to do a bit of work till dd2 wakes up and dd1 gets really bored.

Going back a bit, dive, it sounds a little bit like there are some division of labour issues going on at your place...I know you're not supposed to use ultimatums in the interest of communicating, but it seems like something along the lines of "help me look after the dogs or they will need another home because I can't do it on my own" is in order. It seems that sending dogs away could be a way to avoid a conflict, but it also sounds a little bit like your DH has been less than helpful to you of late.

The other issue that comes to mind is that with everyone being in that sort of tired state where all you want to do is cut your losses and stick to the things you can manage, the dogs become one of those tasks that makes you tired just thinking of it, and then the prospect of potential conflict with DH would triple that. It feels to me like a lot of that is part of all these feelings of fatigue, the blues, the guilts quite a few of us seem to be sharing...I think its not at all surprising that those of us with pets might be questioning their wellbeing given our priorities at the moment. Our bodies are full of hormones making it hard to give time and attention to anything as much as to having babies. So, perhaps talk to your friend about the options, but maybe you will feel differently further down the track when things settle into their new routine? Whichever you decide, I wouldn't feel too badly about it - dogs need a LOT of attention and maintenance, its better if there are two, but if you think you can find them a better home, its not a bad thing at all, they'll be happy and you don't have to worry about the land mines in the yard or the futility of asking DH to help. I don't think there is anything wrong with being objective about what you think you can manage realistically, which is a totally personal thing.

Oh sorry about the essays lately! I'm just going to put myself on this list now.

DUE 1ST MAY: 29
Yawningmonster (36 will be 37 when dc arrives DS age 4)
Sahbear (DS age 14 mo)
farrahgillani (1st Child)
Brightsideoflife
Reggiee (ahem 30 April but want to stay - DD age 22 months)
Aquababe, (DD age 2.9) BOY!!
Evergrounded
Momino,(DD age 2.5 and DD age 1) SURPRISE!!
Loulabela
AAL, (DS age 4)
Olderbutnotwiser , (DD age 21, DS age 19, DS age 16 DS age 4, DD age 2)
MissyK , (DS age 4) elective cs - BOY!!
bantam73 , (dd , age 3 + dd 16.11) from Leeds
JosieC , (27, 1st child, North London) BOY!!
Tummum, (DD age 4 and DD age 2), BOY!!
DUE 2ND MAY: 28+6
Heverhoney ,
SpangleMaker , (first child) BOY!!
DUE 3RD MAY: 28+5
LoobyLou36 ,(first child)
EmmalinaC , (DD age 2.4) GIRL!!
Gert2a, (first child)
DUE 4TH MAY: 28+4
Inni , DS age 2.9 and DD age 1)
Ceeceeanne ,(DD age 9)
DUE 5TH MAY: 28+3
Chicadee , (DD age 6.5)
Overtiredmum , (DS age 3)
Hopefullypregnant , (DD age 10.5m)
DUE 6TH MAY: 28+2
Gibsongirl , (DS1 age 5 and DS2 nearly 2)
BrownieBells ,(DS age 2.9)
lauralou1 , (first)
Jael ,(DD age nearly 3yrs at mo)
belgianchocolates, (ds age 7, dd age 5), SURPRISE!!
DUE 7TH MAY: 28+1
leakyR,(DS 21 months) SURPRISE!
DUE 8TH MAY: 28
Detsy ,(UK, Cheshire - DD 14 months) SURPRISE!
Flippineck ,(DD will be 2yr1m then) SURPRISE!!
Febes , (DD age 12 months). SURPRISE!!
DUE 9TH MAY: 27+6
Carol7 , DS age 16 DD age 12)
Jennster , (DD age 2y7m, DS age 13m) GIRL!!
sebandelliotsmum ,ds1 5 and ds2 20 months
DUE 10TH MAY: 27+5
Missblythe , (DD age?)
Superdenki ,(DS age 2.5)
Ses, (1st DC) SURPRISE!!
DUE 11TH MAY: 27+4
Pinkcandyfloss ,(DS1 age 5 and DS2 age 1.7)
Mootie ,(DD age 2.4)
DUE 12TH MAY: 27+3
llareggub ,(DS age 2) BOY!!
Minimenace , (DS age 13 months)
DUE 13TH MAY: 27+2
Millionsaway , (DD 20 months)
Mammajamma , (DS1 age 4, DS2 age 22m)
lilyjay09 ,DC 3)
Daisydoo ,(DS age 2) SURPRISE!
DUE 14TH MAY: 27+1
Divedaisy ,(DS age 6; 3rd preg) SURPRISE!!!
Wobblypig , (DS 1.11)
Looneywoman ,
Lazzer SURPRISE!!
Zuka , (first child)
1stMrsF , with non-identical twins (first pregnancy, Surrey) TWO GIRLS!!
chocolatefrog ,(DD 19mnths)
DUE 15TH MAY: 27
FiKelly 38yrs, (DS age just over 2yrs) GIRL!!
Nauseous,first baby, SURPRISE!).
DUE 16TH MAY: 26+6
Bekkaboo , (DS aged 2) GIRL!!
Frazzledoldbag ,(DD1 age 7, DD2 age 2) BOY!!
Bluebell82 ,(dd age 7 months)
umamimama , (dd age 16 months)
DUE 17TH MAY: 26+5
Bigtree ,(first child)
HtheH ,(first child) BOY - they think!
DUE 18TH MAY: 26+4
cece,(dd age 7 and DS aged 5) SURPRISE
DUE 19TH MAY: 26+3
Tigergem ,(DD 18m)
GreenFingeredMummy ,(DD age 15m)
DUE 20TH MAY: 26+2
Grumpyoldcaaaaaaaa ,(DD age 10, DD age 4) SURPRISE!!
DUE 21ST MAY: 26+1
Mags98 ,(first child)
DUE 22ND MAY: 26
2beautifulgals ,(2 dds?!)
Moonlit , (DD age 2.8) SURPRISE!!
DUE 23RD MAY: 25+6
halfmumhalfbiscuit , (DS age 2)
Agooboo ,(DS1 age 6 DS2 age 2)
Runningmonkey ,(first child), probably BOY!!
DUE 24TH MAY: 25+5
Swottybetty: ,DD , 6mths
DUE 25TH MAY: 25+4
DandyLioness , (DD nearly4) BOY!
Alapala , (DS 1.5)
rubysmom, (DD1 will be 16 months ) GIRL!!
pulapula ,(DD 4, DS 1.6, Sheffield, elective cs) BOY!!
DUE 26TH MAY: 25+3
rosielady,(DS age 3)
DUE 27TH MAY: 25+2
citybranch ,(DS age 23m)
Sausagenmash, (first baby)
Imnotok
Polony, (first baby)
DUE 29TH MAY:25
SweetBROODY, (First Child) MAYBE A GIRL, MAYBE A BOY!!
MsG, (First child) SURPRISE!!
DUE 30TH MAY: 24+6
MrsExton,
euromum, (DD age 18m), BOY!
DUE 31ST MAY: 24+5
MatthewAndBumpsMummy , (DS age 3yrs 6mths), BOY!!
Rek, (DD 13 months)
milliemoocow (DC?, DC?)
CoteDAzur 37,(DD 3) BOY!!
MrsG ??????